Strawberries: Food of the Week

By: Whole Foods Market*

Strawberry season is finally here! There’s nothing like sweet and juicy peak-season strawberries, so let’s celebrate with salads, salsas, desserts and drinks.

Why Strawberries?

It’s no wonder that of all the berries in the world, strawberries are the most popular. High in vitamin C and manganese and a good source of dietary fiber, strawberries are a great addition to any meal. Try them as a topping for breakfast cereals, tossed into salads, blended into smoothies and baked into desserts. Or freeze on skewers for instant ice pops, fold into your favorite muffin batter or blend into a cold, spicy gazpacho. The peak season for strawberries is May through July, so start experimenting!

Selecting & Storage

Choose berries that are firm, dry and have a uniform deep red color with attached green caps. Because strawberries are highly perishable, eat them or freeze them soon after purchase. Wash berries just before serving.

Five Ways to Make the Most out of Strawberries

Dip: Sweet meets savory in Strawberry Salsa. Serve as a dip or spoon over grilled chicken or wild-caught salmon.

Blend: Make a smoothie or salad dressing such as this flavorful fat-free Strawberry-Balsamic Dressing.

Roast. Roasting strawberries highlights their natural sweetness and are excellent as an oatmeal topping or in a salad such as Roasted Strawberry Spinach Salad.

Mash. This Strawberry Smash Parfait mashes strawberries and layers them with cashew cream, melon and almonds for a light and delicious dessert or as a filling breakfast treat.

Freeze. Stock up when the price is right. Wash and freeze in a single layer on a sheet pan and then transfer to a freezer-safe resealable plastic bag.